Aston Martins Will Never Again Have Something As Awesome As This

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Which makes the departing DB9 all the more special.

The Aston Martin DB9 is no more. As we just reported, DB9 production has officially ended, marking the end of a 13-year era. Although its successor, the stunning DB11, will soon take its place, we have nothing but praise for the DB9. Sure, there were a few things about it here and there, like its dated infotainment system, that really showed its age, but there’s one thing in particular that we absolutely cherish: its naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine. With a total of 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, this engine represents one of the last of its kind.

Natural aspiration is quickly making way for twin-turbocharged engines, such as the new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 powering the DB11. But have you ever heard the sound of a naturally aspirated V12? In case you haven’t, check out our latest unboxing review where we go into detail about the 2016 Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

What is a Volante? It’s Aston Martin-speak for a convertible, and it’s as equally stunning as its coupe counterpart. So why are naturally aspirated V12s being phased out? One word: emissions. Automakers everywhere are being forced to drastically reduced C02 emissions, and turbocharging engines is one way to make that happen. Bottom line: V12s, like the one in the DB9, will soon become extinct. Special thanks to Los Gatos Luxury Cars for letting us shoot the car.